Tom Wirth
Verified Member
Great observation, that we don't have to always do something "now," which is pushing it here. This is like a waiting move in chess, develop a little more. I do like the 15 carom into the 5, which it seems we can either make or get real close, but there's also a realistic chance of leaving him a bank. Listen to Baby Huey... he's the man!
I constantly teach my students to search for multiple options beginning with the most aggressive shot which happens to be within their wheelhouse down to the most aggressive defensive shot. Look to get the most out of your inning! A defensive shot played so as to limit your opponent's response can be considered aggressive. From these positions it becomes easier to anticipate an opponent's response to your shot thereby having a better understanding of what you may do next. Dr. Bill offered one such scenario when he suggested rolling the 14 off the foot rail and over to the opposite side rail forcing an up table game. Though that shot is primarily defensive in nature it can be considered somewhat aggressive because it forces a specific response. This option I would classify as an aggressive defensive shot if the goal is to force an up-table game.
In the situation shown in this thread there have been a few options which deserve consideration. B.H.'s shot being one of them. This is where I believe it comes down to degrees of aggressiveness. Though B.H.'s shot is relatively safe, it does not offer an immediate scoring opportunity whereas GC's shot does. Can something go wrong with either shot? Maybe. Can either shot produce a positive outcome? Certainly. For my money playing a strong player, I will elect to go with the shot which offers immediate scoring potential which also includes ample follow-up shots and offers a reasonably safe outcome. BH's shot is aggressive certainly, but it doesn't come close to the aggressiveness G.C. suggested in his choice which by the way was what Alex attempted.
Now as to Alex's execution of the shot, he failed only in controlling the cue ball adequately. He had plenty of room to navigate the cue ball up table and I would not doubt he would love to have had that shot to shoot over again. I think we can all agree the shot was without doubt well within his wheelhouse.
You are all welcome to agree or disagree. That is your prerogative. This is simply the way I view the game.
Tom
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